Was there once life on Mars? This is the question that one of the most complex robotic systems ever built by humankind has set out to answer. Several of maxon’s electric drives are used for handling the soil samples — and to control the first Mars helicopter. The rover named Perseverance entered the atmosphere of […]
Drives + Supplies
What is field weakening and how does it affect servo motor performance?
Although servo systems can very precisely control motor speed, position, and torque, in some applications, the motor may not be able to reach the commanded velocity due to limits in the available bus (supply) voltage from the drive. But advanced servo drives offer a technique referred to as field weakening, which alters the motor’s torque-speed […]
All-in-one controller with integrated drives for OEM machine builders
ACS Motion Control – part of the Physik Instrumente (PI) Group – has launched the first in a new line of Economical Control Module (ECM) products. The ECMsm is a compact, all-in-one, 2- or 4-axis motion controller with internal drives. Designed for OEMs with cost-sensitive motion control applications, it provides up to 5/10 A per […]
What is friction compensation in servo control?
Friction, which is the resistance to relative motion between two bodies, occurs in all sliding and rolling motions. In components that use lubrication to separate rolling or sliding surfaces — such as bearings and gears — there are typically two types of friction: static friction and dynamic friction. Static friction — also referred to as “stiction” […]
Feedback on stepper motors for better positioning and holding (and less ringing)
Feedback-equipped stepper motors are not a complete substitute for servomotors, but they can provide a reliable alternative for many real-world applications. These motion-design solutions improve machine performance without breaking the bank. By Jim Stevens • Product Specialist | POSITAL Inc. Stepper motors are a top choice for many motion and position control applications. They’re available […]
How to size an electric-motor-driven chain-and-sprocket system
In previous motion-sizing articles, we reviewed how to properly specify (using software) a ballscrew-driven motion axis. Then we reviewed how engineering teams can use a similar software-based approach for sizing rack-and-pinion-based servomotor-driven axes on the same five-axis gantry. Now we’ll explore the process for sizing the components (using that same software) for an electric-motor-powered axis […]
New servo drives feature high-power, compact design
The FM060-25-CM is part of a new breed of micro-sized, high-power servo drives, immediately available from ADVANCED Motion Controls. Rated to output 25-A continuous and 50-A peak, this fully featured digital servo drive is small enough to fit in the tightest locations. It’s well suited for mobile and portable applications such as mobile robotics, automated […]
Podcast: Planar motors and linear transfer systems in action (addressing COVID and more)
In a recent podcast interview, we got the chance to talk with Jeff Johnson of Beckhoff Automation about linear-motor conveyors (also called intelligent transport systems) as well as the planar-motor system from Beckhoff called the XPlanar. Listen in: Design World · Planar motors and linear transfer systems in action! Beckhoff engineer Jeff Johnson explains […]
New line of intelligent universal servo drives from ACS
ACS has launched the first in a new line of high-performance Intelligent Drive Module products. The IDMsm is a 2- or 4-axis EtherCAT DS402 universal servo drive featuring unique control algorithms and processing technologies that enhance the performance of high-precision motion stages. Certified as EtherCAT Conformance Tested, the IDMsm provides up to 5 A continuous […]
Trio launches new plug-and-play servo motion package
Trio Motion Technology, a member of the Estun Group, has expanded its motion controller range with the launch of a servo drive and motor package. The new DX4 servo drive and MX servo motor series expands Trio’s machine solution and now makes it faster and easier for OEMs to use the high performance motion control […]